Engine intake, butterfly valve or proper seacock?

[marka]

Linda Jean ('81 CD 27) is configured with a gate valve for the raw water intake rather than a proper seacock. Clearly I'd rather have a proper seacock with backing plate.

What's the combined wisdome of the board? Is there any reason why the raw water intake on a CD 27 should not have a proper seacock?

[Russell]

Linda Jean ('81 CD 27) is configured with a gate valve for the raw water intake rather than a proper seacock. Clearly I'd rather have a proper seacock with backing plate.

What's the combined wisdome of the board? Is there any reason why the raw water intake on a CD 27 should not have a proper seacock?

I am very suprised there is a gate valve there, was that added by a previous owner? I did not know CD used anything other then proper seacocks for any thruhull below the waterline.

Indeed I would change it next time its out of the water (or if out now, change it before launching).

[viejo]

Linda Jean ('81 CD 27) is configured with a gate valve for the raw water intake rather than a proper seacock. Clearly I'd rather have a proper seacock with backing plate.

What's the combined wisdome of the board? Is there any reason why the raw water intake on a CD 27 should not have a proper seacock?

I am very suprised there is a gate valve there, was that added by a previous owner? I did not know CD used anything other then proper seacocks for any thruhull below the waterline.

Indeed I would change it next time its out of the water (or if out now, change it before launching).

I'd have to agree with that last comment very vehemently.

I had a friend go to open a gate valve on his boat, and the wheel feel off in his hand.

I've never heard of or seen a seacock do the same thing.

[Warren Kaplan]

My 1980 CD27 came with a "Kingston cock" for the raw water intake. A quality piece of equipment. But 2 years ago it broke and it needed replacement. Kingston cocks were not that easy to find. Its a small seacock. So instead I replaced it with a marine grade ball valve.

From my research, a good quality marine grade ball valve is pretty much as dependable as a quality seacock. Marine Grade is important. Its been in for 2 years now and is working flawlessly.

I would avoid a gate valve. Disaster waiting to happen in a salt water boat.

[Clay Stalker]

I'm with the others...replace it with a proper seacock as soon as possible. The bronze Spartan seacocks are excellent but very expensive. There are a few other types of bronze seacocks that are not quite as beefy as the Spartan, but are nonetheless good. You might also look at the Monel types....they are simple, less expensive, require no maintenance, and are rated for blue water sailing.

[Steve Laume]

Just wondering. Would no seacock be better than a gate valve? I can see this on an engine intake or even more so on cockpit drains. It is just one less thing to go wrong. If you had the proper plugs available you would be in pretty good shape. Less is more, Steve.

[Dick Barthel]

Steve,

I think the problem is if you have a hose failure when you're not on the boat its doom. I personally close all seacocks but the cockpit drains when not on board. I've heard of some who even close one of the scuppers to minimize risk. Keeping the hoses and clamps fresh is also a good idea.

Dick

[marka]

Thanks all. I installed new backing plates (vinylester FRP) and rebedded all other seacocks a few years years ago so I know it's not a big job. I can't for teh life of me figure out why I didn't address the raw water intake at that time.

A seacock shopping I will go.